DILG to launch infra audit tool

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to launch an infrastructure audit tool to assess structural integrity of buildings in preparation for the possibility of a large-magnitude earthquake.

This Harmonized Infrastructure Audit tool, according to DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo Iringan, will be utilized to ensure the resilience of buildings in the country against earthquakes.

“This tool will establish a national standard for assessing local public infrastructures, particularly their vulnerability to high-magnitude earthquakes,” Iringan said.

The tool had been developed in collaboration with other national government agencies, engineering organizations, and selected local government units (LGUs).

The tool is expected to help LGUs identify the priority structures subject for infra audits.

Iringan also said that the DILG is partnering with the academe to tap fourth year and fifth year engineering students to help in assessing the infrastructures.

This will be pilot-tested in the National Capital Region, Region III, and CALABARZON.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, about 3,200 structures are found along the West Valley Fault, while 12 percent to 13 percent of residential buildings are forecast to sustain heavy damage in the onslaught of the “Big One.”

Iringan represented Secretary Jonvic Remulla during the "2nd Earthquake Preparedness Summit" organized by the Office of Civil Defense earlier this week in Quezon City.

The DILG Secretary sits as the vice chairperson for disaster preparedness of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

During the event, the DILG also discussed its programs to enhance the LGU earthquake preparedness and resilience, such as Operation L!sto and the Basic Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for barangays. -  JG (CEBU NEWS)